officially
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for officially, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — According to official rules, procedures, or authority.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use officially
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “officially” mean?
The word “officially” means according to official rules, procedures, or authority. In plain terms, in a formal, authorized way — or, informally, "now it's completely true/confirmed".
How do you pronounce “officially”?
“Officially” is pronounced uh-FIHSH-lee (/əˈfɪʃ.(ə.)li/ in IPA).
How do you use “officially” in a sentence?
Here is “officially” used in a sentence: “The bridge was officially opened last Friday.”
What part of speech is “officially”?
“Officially” is an adverb.
Is “officially” a common word?
“Officially” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “officially” have?
“Officially” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: according to official rules, procedures, or authority.
What is the difference between officially and unofficially?
Officially means something is done according to recognized rules, procedures or authority — a decision that is formally recorded and endorsed. Unofficially means the opposite: it happens informally, off the record, or without that stamp of approval. A result can be known unofficially through rumour long before it is officially confirmed.
Is "officially" formal or informal?
Officially is a formal-sounding adverb, and it signals that something carries the weight of authority, law or recognized procedure. That said, it appears in casual speech too, often for light emphasis — "I'm officially exhausted." In that playful use it borrows the tone of formality rather than describing a genuine official act.
What is an example of "officially" in a sentence?
You might read, "The company officially launched the product on Monday," or "She was officially appointed as director." The word shows that an action has been carried out through proper channels or authority. It often marks the moment something becomes formal, public and on the record.